A Powerful Tribute to Friendship and Wisdom, Brent Rich, 63
A Tribute to the real ones that truly love
I want to take a moment to shine a light on my dear friend, Mr. Brent Rich, who recently wrote a heartfelt blog about our friendship. You can find the link to his post at the end of this entry. Reading it was humbling, as Brent accurately captured the evolution of our bond over the past several years—almost a decade now, which feels wild in itself!
Brent and I connected quickly through our shared progressive thoughts and values. We both hail from the vibrant community of Nacogdoches, Texas, and our friendship blossomed over common interests: whiskey, cigars, and barbecue. But perhaps what binds us most deeply is our mutual love for lifelong learning—not just as a requirement, but as a genuine passion. We both enjoy welcoming wisdom into our lives and encouraging others to do the same.
As our friendship deepened, I came to understand the importance of selecting one’s social circle wisely—surrounding ourselves with those who uplift us and guide us toward our desired path. I am grateful that Brent is one of those people for me.
Brent is a lifelong educator and a recently retired teacher who has embraced the adventurous transition of travel with his wife, seeking out places and experiences that enrich their lives. I admire his bravery in navigating this journey with openness and transparency.
His dedication to creating and sharing content through his blog is commendable. In today’s social media landscape, it is all too easy to feel pressured to produce what the audience wants instead of what truly resonates with one’s heart. Brent’s commitment reflects his authenticity and passion for sharing content that matters to him.
I encourage you to check out his blog and join us in celebrating the beauty of friendship, continued learning, and the courage to express one’s true self in a world that often prioritizes trends over authenticity.
I want to share a special moment that captures not just a memory but also the beautiful bond I share with my dear friend, Brent Rich. The two images I’m referring to serve as “before and after” snapshots of my life—one being a real-time photo of me performing on stage at Fresh by Brookshire’s in Tyler, Texas, during a time when they didn’t even have a proper stage. For those familiar with the venue, you know what I mean!
The second image is a wonderful surprise Brent gifted me. I can’t recall the exact timeline between when the photo was taken and when I met Brent at The Back Porch Restaurant in Kilgore, Texas, but it was during that meal—which Brent and his wife graciously invited me to—that he unveiled this beautiful piece of art.
The emotions I felt when he turned the picture around were overwhelming. To realize that someone values your presence, spirit, and existence to the point of immortalizing it in art is truly astonishing. It was a moment filled with honor and humility.
Brent’s artistic interpretation of the photo paints a vivid picture of our relationship. Though he made some shifts to the image, like the coloring of my baseball jersey from black to a deep blue, every detail holds significance. The djembe behind me, with its golden rim, remains a symbol of my musical journey, while the balcony railing from Fresh, despite its altered shape, connects me to that cherished memory.
Brent has done an incredible job bringing the image to life, from the gradients of reds and dark maroons in the background to the strategic play of whites, blues, and greens. Today, that artwork hangs proudly on my office wall, a constant reminder of our friendship and the joy it brings.
A heartfelt shoutout to you, Brent! I will forever cherish our friendship, and I am grateful for the way you’ve captured not just a moment, but the essence of our journey together. Here’s to more adventures, more music, and more shared memories!
“Healing Through Creative Thinking“
Healing Through Creative Thinking!
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